JAWS Ride to Close at Universal Orlando

First we said goodbye to Kongfrontation, then Back to the Future: The Ride. Now it’s time to bid farewell to the JAWS ride at Universal Studios Florida. It was announced today that January 2, 2012 will be the last day of operation for this classic theme park attraction, one of our personal favourite attractions in theme park realm.

This was one of the original attractions that opened with the park, but was plagued with problems that delayed it’s opening to a few years later. Once the attraction opened, it became one of the most popular in the park. “Jaws has been an amazing attraction and an important part of our history. We know that Jaws holds a special place in the hearts of our guests,” a rep from Universal said. “But we always have to look to the future and dedicate ourselves to providing new, innovative entertainment experiences for our guests.” Now that this ride will be gone, the speculation is out as to what will replace the large landmass that the attraction takes up. Universal hasn’t announce anything yet, only saying on its Facebook page “We’ve got a couple of things planned to ensure we always remember and honor.” Many people across the web have mentioned the replacement, whatever it may be, better be pretty epic. And we agree!

Here’s the description of JAWS from Universal Orlando’s website

A leisurely boat tour off the coast of Amity goes horribly wrong when you suddenly come face to face with the largest Great White shark ever seen in these – or any other – parts. Your boat’s skipper calls for help and fires into the water. A darkened boathouse offers no refuge. The monstrous shark hammers your boat relentlessly, surrounding you with a sea of wreckage. If you can just get past those flaming fuel pumps you might make it back to dry land…

Some fun facts about JAWS

The shark moves through the water at realistic speeds of 20-feet-per second.

The 32-foot, three-ton shark is made of steel, fiberglass, latex skin and urethane teeth.

Much of the New England memorabilia was found in Gloucester, Massachusetts and surrounding fishing towns.